**Putin's Victory Day Parade: A Display of Power Amidst Ongoing Military Struggles**

As Putin celebrates a historic victory, the ongoing war and economic challenges reveal a stark contrast to the display of military strength.

On May 9, 2025, President Vladimir V. Putin orchestrated a large-scale military parade in Moscow, commemorating Russia's victory over Nazi Germany 80 years prior. The event served not only as a celebration but as a platform for Putin to showcase his leadership among a coalition of anti-Western and nonaligned nations, with Chinese President Xi Jinping prominently seated alongside him. The gathering also featured over 20 foreign dignitaries, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia, suggesting a semblance of global influence despite the West's attempts to isolate Russia following its aggressive actions in Ukraine.

However, the parade's military display starkly contrasted with the current realities on the battlefield, where Russia has yet to secure a decisive victory after three years of conflict in Ukraine. While recent months have seen minor territorial gains, the overarching narrative highlights a sluggish economy exacerbated by dwindling oil prices and persistent inflationary pressures.

Historically, Victory Day has been a cornerstone of Russian national pride and unity; however, under Putin's narrative, it has become increasingly divisive, as he has attempted to draw parallels between the Soviet triumph over fascism and the justification for his controversial invasion of Ukraine. What was once a unifying commemoration now stands as a poignant reminder of the fractures within Russian society and the ongoing struggles on the geopolitical front.

Ivan Nechepurenko, based in Moscow, reports on developments in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and their surrounding regions.